Foods & Drinks Causing You To Have Panic Attacks

Anxiety attacks have got to be the worst thing imaginable and the foods and drinks in your diet could be the culprit of the problem. Thankfully, if you’re already on the Paleo diet, you have already eliminated the worst things that you could possibly be putting into your body and as a result, you have likely experienced a decrease in anxious feelings and/or panic attacks. However, if you are on the fence about your diet, or are curious about the Paleo diet and the ways in which it can benefit you and your condition, this should encourage you to make the right move forward and away from the modern diet. Here are the worst foods and drinks that you’re putting into your body that are currently triggering anxiety and panic attacks.

Caffeine – Coffee, Sodas, Energy Drinks

Caffeine is a stimulant and as a result, it kicks your heart race, adrenaline and ultimately, throws your anxiety into high gear. It also naturally puts your body into ‘fight or flight mode’ due to the sudden rush of energy. So, instead of using caffeine as a method to wake you up in the morning, or relaxing after a long, hard, stressful day with a warm cup of joe, channel your energy on making adjustments in your life that will decrease the exhaustion you feel in the morning or at the end of your day. Allow your body and mind to rest thoroughly so you don’t feel like you have to have a blast of anxiety (caffeine) to function properly. Remove all caffeine from your diet if plausible, or at the very least, limit it to the least amount possible. Just make sure to taper off slowly. It is the worst thing you can provide your nerve-sensitive body, mind and soul.

Sugar – Candy, Sweets and Snacks

Sugar is typically bad at all times, unless in its most natural forms which is rarely found in the modern day diet because the majority of junk food contains a ton of sugar. The rise and fall in your blood sugar levels can frequently trigger your anxiety and panic attacks to go off on high alert. Avoiding high sugary snacks will instantly decrease this risk. So, opt for healthy ways to boost your energy, like fruit which is full of natural sugars. As you can imagine, candy is one thing to completely get rid of because it is packed with sugars. You can still enjoy natural sweeteners, such as honey, but to feel better, you have to steer clear of the junk and candy which isn’t Paleo in any way, shape or form. Instead, the Paleo diet finds healthy ways to enjoy the sugar that is natural.

Alcohol – Beer, Wine, Liquors

Like caffeine, alcohol is also a stimulant but it seems to be 50/50 in regards to affecting people and their anxiety. Some people will experience the worst of panic attacks during or after a night of drinking which can sometimes lead to a mental breakdown, and others don’t seem to be bothered by it. It is important to remember that if you are on the opposite side of the spectrum and feel great when boozed up, it isn’t the proper way to deal with your anxiety. It will catch up to you. So, avoid all alcohol even if you don’t seem to notice an immediate negative effect. In addition, the alcohol converts to sugar which creates those spikes and falls in your blood sugar levels as mentioned.

Starchy Foods – French fries, Breads, Potatoes etc.

Starchy foods aren’t Paleo and amongst many of the reasons for that is due to its ability to fluctuate your blood sugar which causes anxiety and panic attacks. If you like to carb overload, this might be a trigger you need to eliminate.

Modern Diet MSG

MSG sounds as toxic as it is. Unfortunately, many modern diet restaurants and processed foods have MSG added into it which basically keeps you addicted to such food items, while also triggering your panic attacks. Again, the Paleo diet is the exact opposite of those things and your decrease in anxiety will show that to be true.

Lactic Acid

This is an acid that naturally occurs in your body post a strenuous workout. It is the thing that makes your body sore, and some claim that it can increase your anxiety. However, exercise also releases endorphins in your body which keep you calm and collected, and they also keep you happy. So, it may counteract and balance out but you may want to do your own research on this topic.
The Paleo diet eliminates all these awful anxiety, panic attack triggers but even a simple food allergy can cause the same rush of nervousness. Keep a diet diary and see what you eat and when you have the worst episodes of anxiety. If you want to treat it right now, go Paleo.